Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of scuffle between two groups of servitors, Law Minister Prathiviraj Harichandan on Sunday asserted that rituals are being held as scheduled at Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
“The Sevayat had assured the government of timely completion of rituals during the preparatory and review meetings. Arrangements are also in place to ensure hassle-free darshan for devotees. The Collect, DCP, and Municipal Commissioner are overseeing the arrangements. Steps have also been taken to ensure smooth and timely lifting of the Mahadeepa at night. A particular number of servitors will be permitted to climb atop the shrine,” the Minister said.
The government has set up a special monitoring team to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals. Devotees have also been urged to avoid carrying flowers and ‘prasad’ in single-use plastic bags.
Harichandan further stated that there has been no major mismanagement in distribution of passes. “These are one-time entry passes with QR code. Those with passes can enter the shrine only once,” he explained.
Speaking to the media, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagamohan Meena further stated that the one-way entry and exit system, introduced this year, has helped in proper crowd management.
Under the new arrangement, devotees are allowed to enter the 11th-century shrine only through the Lions’ Gate, the temple’s main entrance, and exit from Dakshina Dwara (south gate) after offering prayers in the sanctum sanctorum. “The queue was moving slowly during the Sahana Mela darshan, which continued till 11 am. We expect the speed to improve thereafter,” he told reporters.
The DCP emphasised that devotees were able to have darshan without major disruption despite the heavy footfall.
A total of 41 platoons of police forces have been deployed, including 3 DCPs, 6 additional DCPs, 17 ACPs and nearly 200 sub-inspectors and constables along with women personnel also part of elaborate arrangement to ensure smooth conduct of the festival, he said.
Special security arrangements have been made as the Chief Minister is expected to visit the temple later in the day, he added.
Besides, vehicular movement towards the temple is being regulated at key points with 11 parking spaces earmarked around the shrine’s periphery. The BMC will overseeing drinking water supply and sanitation measures.
The DCP also mentioned one-time entry passes with QR code for devotees, VIPs, servitors and other stakeholders. “Family members of the sevayats, who had queued up since 3 am in the morning, were the first to be allowed inside the premises from the Uttar Dwara (North Gate). They had darshan from 4 am to 5 am before the temple opened for the general public. This ensured that rituals and customary practices were completed ahead of the massive influx of devotees,” he noted.
Local channels, however, reported that a scuffle broke out between two groups of servitors following a heated exchange of words over allowing their family members inside the temple. The situation grew chaotic amid raised voices and physical altercation. Police officers stationed at the temple intervened to restore order and de-escalate the situation.